Pneumatosis intestinalis as a presentation of Crohn’s disease: a case report

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is defined as presence of gas within the intestinal wall. It is a rare condition, usually associated with a wide variety of pathologies. It requires a special diagnostic approach to determine underlying etiology. We present the case of a 18 year old woman with chronic abdominal pain, who presents with peritoneal signs and pneumoperitoneum. Laparoscopy showed NI. Thereafter, Crohn´s disease was diagnosed by balloon enteroscopy.